Southend – MOD warning

MOD Prohibited Foreshore – Public Safety Information

With the summer season upon us, we felt it timely to remind local watersports clubs of the existence of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) live firing Range in Shoeburyness and of areas of the local foreshore that are owned by the MOD and as such, are prohibited for public use.

To assist you in understanding where the prohibited areas are, we have produced the attached Safe Watersports leaflet and have dedicated pages on our website that include maps and descriptions. Visit MOD Prohibited Beaches & Safety Information for Mariners

The stretch of foreshore known as ‘Old Ranges’ runs from the western boundary fence at Shoeburyness East Beach, around the coast to the boundary fence at the Ness Road slipway (adjacent to the HM Coastguard Station and known locally as “Tom’s”). The area extends from the beach to approximately 3km out to sea. This stretch of foreshore, mud flats and sea is NOT open to the public, for any purpose, at any time. The only exception to this is when the Outer Sea Area is open during daylight hours, when the Range is not active (e.g. Red Flags lowered) and the tide is in.

Anyone found trespassing on these beaches is doing so in direct contravention of the local MOD Range and Land Byelaws, an offence which can result in prosecution, a fine of up to £1,500 and confiscation of property.

Most importantly, members of the public are prohibited from occupying these beaches for their safety as they carry an inherent risk of Unexploded Ordnance associated with their historic use by the military. These areas are bordered by fences and warning signs.

In addition, and as part of its duty of care to manage the MOD foreshore, QinetiQ Ltd has installed CCTV surveillance cameras at Old Ranges. This is to monitor activity in and around the area for public and employee safety and to aid security, crime prevention and detection.

We hope that you find this information useful as it is for your safety. Please assist us by passing it on to your fellow members and associates. If you have any questions or would like a stock of printed leaflets for distribution, please let me know.

Many thanks for your attention and co-operation. We wish you a safe summer.

Nicki Uden – Community Liaison Officer, SHOEBURYNESS RANGE

Careline: 0800 0560108
Email: [email protected]